How to Control Your Smart Home With IFTTT

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It's clear that Internet of Things (IoT) integration is the Next Big Thing in tech; just ask Alexa, Siri, Cortana, or the Google Assistant. But ironically, IoT integration suffers from too much buy-in; the industry is in an all-out war for control. And it isn't just big tech—car manufacturers, home appliance makers, and even retailers have entered the IoT arena, each with new platforms that further osbscure the consumer dream of an industry standard at every level.

Introducing IFTTT

Fortunately, there is a solution to all of this. If This Then That (IFTTT), which debuted in 2010, is a platform that can circumvent communication problems between all your smart devices.

Its name comes from a logical operator that is universal across programming languages, but don't worry—you won't need any experience to use it. In most cases, IFTTT is as simple as pressing a button (or two).

IFTTT works by using Applets to connect devices, apps, and other services that won't play nice like you want them to. IFTTT regularly releases convenient "recipes" with popular services for common devices and apps, but you can also customize your own recipes. IFTTT also gives you the ability to add your own devices, apps, and services. It's so versatile that you can even use it to integrate with more complicated systems, like smart-home tech.

Getting Started

First, in order to connect IFTTT with your devices, download the IFTTT app (iOS, Android) onto the gadgets you'll use to control your IoT devices, or navigate to ifttt.com.

Then, create an account, and make sure all your devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. After that, you should be able to find recipes that are already available for your devices by performing a simple search, like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Nest.

The following is a list of some popular IoT and smart home devices that you can integrate seamlessly using IFTTT functions.

Security Cameras

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Netgear Arlo Pro 2
The Netgear Arlo Pro 2 is a PCMag Editors' Choice for home security cameras. Not only does it work with Alexa for voice control, but it is also 100 percent wireless, weatherproof, and boasts 1080p HD resolution with night vision.

Check out available IFTTT recipes for Arlo Pro 2 here. Once you connect, at the press of a button you'll be able to:

Integrate Google Assistant to arm/disarm your cameras

Begin recording when motion is detected during specific hours

Automate phone alerts if motion is detected

Connect Arlo's motion-detection features to smart lights

And a lot more

 

You'll find lots of similar features available for other popular smart cameras like the iSmartAlarm iCamera Keep Pro and the Nest Cam Outdoor.

$330.88 at Amazon

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Smart Speakers

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Amazon Echo Dot
Echo devices like the Echo Dot are voice-controlled units that use Alexa to play music, integrate smart home devices, place calls, send messages, and more. Through Alexa, you connect your Echo with devices like WeMo, Philips Hue, Sony, Samsung SmartThings, Nest, and many others. With IFTTT you'll have access to a wider array of features like:

Syncing your social media profiles

Connect Alexa to your iRobot or Neato robot vacuums

Sync to-do/shopping lists in Asana, Remember the Milk, and iOS reminders

Control access to your child's internet connection via Circle

 

You'll also find a lot of similar features available for other smart speakers like the Google Home Max when you connect IFTTT to the Google Assistant. This includes the ability to control SmartThings devices, manipulate smart lights, and operate your television.

$39.99 at Amazon

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Thermostats

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Ecobee4
The Ecobee4 thermostat is an advanced system that can save you money on energy costs by heating/cooling your home more efficiently. Through Alexa, you'll be able to integrate your Ecobee with IFTTT and take control of the following:

Create toggle chains to automatically switch lights on/off when toggling other switches

Toggle lights on/off via timers

Receive updates for your thermostat activities on various devices

Set up comfort profiles for different individuals in your home

Integrate with Alexa voice controls

 

IFTTT also offers a lot of similar features when you connect with your Nest Learning Thermostat. Plus, you can also set up phone notifications for the Nest's motion-detection features.

Smart Lights

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Philips Hue
With an average lifespan of 20 years, auto-lighting features, and integration with Alexa, Philips Hue smart light bulbs already boast a lot of advanced features. But when you connect Philips Hue bulbs with IFTTT you can also:

Set automatic triggers based on different conditions like time

Use your phone to trigger individual lights or groups of lights

Tell the Google Assistant to "set the scene" for you

Have Alexa "start the party" by generating a colored light show

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